Winter in Heber

If you're looking for the ultimate winter playground, check out Heber Valley, just 50 miles from the Salt Lake City airport and 17 miles from Park City. It is, without a doubt, the place to be for all types of winter sports, lodging and snow-filled activities.

Heber Valley is nestled between towering snow-covered peaks, and its backcountry location makes it an ideal year-round destination. During the winter, the valley nearly bursts at the seam with activities sure to satisfy everyone; from high adventure enthusiasts, to families looking for a little laid-back recreation. Some of the more popular activities include snowmobiling, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and tubing.

Heber Valley is made up of a few friendly, close-knit, smaller communities where you'll find some charming dining and lodging establishments, many of which embodying a touch of old European flair. In fact, the area is known as Utah's Little Switzerland because of its simple beauty, the mountain terrain, its rich agricultural land, and the fact that many early settlers emmigrated from Switzerland.

What to Do

Rising from the ground, one icicle at a time, the Midway Ice Castle is filled with enchantment for princesses and princes of every age. 20,000,000 pounds of icicles formed together, the Midway Ice Castle invites visitors to walk through carved paths leading through towering glacial formations, caverns, archways, and maze-like tunnels. Come experience vivid glacial hues by day and nightly displays of millions of tons of illuminated ice. Click hereto learn more.

Deer Valley Resort offers a gondola that comes down into Heber Valley, served by a ticket office near Jordanelle Reservoir. All three of the Park City area resorts are just a short drive away. And, if you want a more relaxing ski trip, consider staying in Heber Valley, away from the hustle and bustle of the big resorts.

Soldier Hollow offers top cross country ski trails and popular tubing runs. It is one of our most popular family destinations and was a busy venue during the 2002 Winter Olympics, hosting 23 events in biathlon, cross-country and Nordic skiing. Some area resorts also offer cross country trails and tubing runs.

Snowmobile trails extend into the mountains in all directions. Heber Valley is the gateway to the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, which offers a very beautiful summer drive and challenging winter snowmobile terrain. Some of the best snowmobile trails in the U.S. can be found in the Daniels Summit/Strawberry area, a complex of interconnecting routes run into the nearby mountains that provide amazing rides over groomed and un-groomed trails and into open bowls and play areas.
Many people bring their own snowmobiles. Others rent machines from area businesses. Daniels Summit Lodge offers excellent accommodations and guided snowmobile tours, plus rental machines and information for those who want to challenge the trails on their own. The experts at Daniels Summit can set you up with the best snowmobiles, appropriate clothing including boots, snow suites and helmets, and provide maps and everything else needed to get you on the trail to adventure.

The Provo River runs through Heber Valley and offers blue-ribbon trout fishing year-round. Deer Creek and Jordanelle reservoirs are both Utah State Parks that offer very good ice fishing for trout and other species. Strawberry Reservoir, located SE of Heber along Hwy. 40, offers excellent ice fishing for trophy-sized trout.

The Crater is a unique pool fed by hot springs at Homestead Resort. It is a popular place to scuba dive, even during winter months. Certification classes are held regularly. People also enjoy swimming and snorkeling. The resort even offers a paddleboard yoga class!